Do you want to celebrate someone’s birthday in a special way? Knowing how to say “birthday” in different languages can add a personal touch to your wishes. In this guide, we will explore the Japanese word for birthday, both in formal and informal contexts, while providing tips, examples, and regional variations to enhance your understanding.
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How to Say “Birthday” in Japanese
The Japanese word for birthday is “tanjoubi” (誕生日) which consists of three kanji characters — “tanjou” meaning “birth” and “bi” meaning “day.” Remembering this simple word will help you express greetings of goodwill on someone’s special day.
Formal Ways to Say “Birthday”
When speaking in formal contexts, such as with superiors, clients, or in official settings, it’s essential to use respectful expressions. Here are a couple of formal ways to say “birthday” in Japanese:
1. Tanjoubi (誕生日)
Tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu.
Translation: Happy birthday!
This formal expression is suitable for most formal situations and shows a respectable level of politeness to the recipient. Remember to use the honorific prefix “o” before “medetou gozaimasu” to elevate the level of courtesy.
2. Goshoukai no tanjoubi (ご披露会の誕生日)
Goshoukai no tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu.
Translation: Happy birthday on your presentation day!
This expression is used when celebrating the birthday of someone who has recently made a public presentation or debut. It conveys congratulations not only for their birthday but also for their successful introduction to a larger audience.
Informal Ways to Say “Birthday”
When speaking in informal settings, with friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can use less formal expressions. Here are a couple of informal ways to say “birthday” in Japanese:
1. Tanjoubi (誕生日)
Tanjoubi omedetou.
Translation: Happy birthday!
Similar to the formal expression, saying “tanjoubi omedetou” in an informal context is a common and appropriate way to wish someone a happy birthday. It maintains a friendly tone while expressing your heartfelt congratulations.
2. O-tanjoubi omedetou (お誕生日おめでとう)
O-tanjoubi omedetou!
Translation: Happy birthday!
Add the honorific prefix “o” before “tanjoubi” to create “o-tanjoubi.” This adds an extra layer of respect and fondness and is commonly used between friends, close acquaintances, and family members.
Regional Variations
While Japanese is primarily spoken throughout Japan, regional dialects and variations can sometimes lead to differences in vocabulary. However, when it comes to the word “birthday,” the term “tanjoubi” is widely understood and used across all regions without any significant variations or dialect-specific expressions to note.
Additional Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to expand your knowledge of how to say “birthday” in Japanese:
- When extending a birthday wish, it is common to follow the phrase “tanjoubi omedetou” with “gozaimasu” (ございます). This adds further politeness to your expression.
- If you want to mention the person’s name within your greeting, you can do so by adding it before “tanjoubi omedetou.” For instance, “Yamada-san no tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu” means “Happy birthday, Mr./Ms. Yamada!”
- You can use the term “otanjoubi” (お誕生日) on its own to wish someone a happy birthday, but adding “omedetou” (おめでとう) completes the phrase and imbues it with goodwill.
- To express your wishes for many more happy years to come, add “omedetou gozaimasu” after “tanjoubi.” For example, “Tanjoubi omedetou gozaimasu! Kotoshi mo yoi ichinichi o sugoshinasai!” translates to “Happy birthday! Have another great year ahead!”
- Remember to celebrate the cultural differences and the joy of learning. Your effort to extend birthday wishes in Japanese will be appreciated by your Japanese friends and bring a genuine smile to their faces.
Now that you know the formal and informal ways to say “birthday” in Japanese, along with various tips and examples, you can confidently extend your warm wishes to your Japanese friends and loved ones. Birthdays hold special significance in every culture, and understanding how to express your congratulations in another language adds a personal touch that fosters cross-cultural connections and strengthens relationships.
